“Encryption is inexorably tied to our national interests. It is a safeguard for our personal secrets and economic prosperity. It helps to prevent crime and protect national security." – A report from the bipartisan House Judiciary Committee & House Energy and Commerce Committee

Facebook Goes to Court Again

On Tuesday March 24th the Court of Justice (CJEU) will hear a case referred by the Irish High Court on the NSA/PRISM spy scandal, which may have major implications for EU-US data flows and US internet companies operating in Europe (case number: C-362/14).

The European Union allows companies to transmit data abroad only if they can ensure “adequate protection” of users’ privacy. However, due to NSA surveillance, U.S. corporations normally cannot provide adequate protection. Should the court rule Facebook cannot ensure those protections, the decision will likely impact other American companies with European users, from Microsoft to Apple.

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